Mass. Legislature Eyes New Gun Control Legislation

After talking about the issue for years, the Massachusetts legislature could soon take up gun control legislation.

There are dozens of proposals before the legislature including one from Governor Deval Patrick to limit gun purchases to one a month and require background checks at gun shows. Lawmakers held public hearings through the summer, and there’s been silence since.

Now, on the eve of the anniversary of the Newtown shootings, Speaker of the House Robert Deleo released a statement saying “we are poised to take action.” DeLeo praised the work of the the gun control task force he appointed, which has now held its final meeting.

The task force chair won’t say what’s in the group’s report, but says it will be released shortly. Lawmakers have said the final bill will be based on those recommendations. It will likely take at least a few more weeks though. The House and Senate don’t meet again in formal sessions until January.